Pletal (Cilostazol) widens arteries that supply blood to the legs. Cilostazol also improves circulation by keeping platelets in the blood from sticking together and clotting.

Cilostazol is used to treat the symptoms of intermittent claudication. This condition causes reduced blood flow to the legs, leading to pain while walking. Cilostazol improves your ability to walk longer distances without pain.

Cilostazol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

INSTRUCTIONS

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Cilostazol is usually taken twice a day, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after breakfast or dinner. Take cilostazol at the same times each day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

It may take up to 12 weeks of using cilostazol before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment.

DOSAGE

Take cilostazol on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food.

If you miss a dose of Pletal take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. Do not take 2 doses at once. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.

Before taking cilostazol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Do not take cilostazol if you have congestive heart failure. Cilostazol can make this condition worse.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Cilostazol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

SIDE EFFECTS

Possible side effects:

Headache, diarrhea, runny nose, and dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, swelling of the hands/feet.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding, black or bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat).

Get medical help right away if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: chest/jaw/left arm pain, fainting, vision changes, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, confusion.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.